Gardening Articles: Care :: Pests & Problems

Potato Scab

by National Gardening Association Editors

This disease, caused by a bacterialike organism, affects potatoes all over North America. Brown, corky areas or pits cover the outside of the tubers. Neutral and alkaline soils encourage the development of scab. Other susceptible crops include beets, turnips, carrots, rutabagas, and parsnips, although scab is usually not a serious problem on these.